When we did this story (it's up again in our rotation this year!) in our Art workshop, we made a "roof" using papier mache, paint and sticks. We cut a little trap door in it to lower the man down. We also made character "puppets" by decorating card stock figures (using fabric, markers, yarn, etc.) and adhering to plastic bottles. The kids used the bottle puppets and the roof to re-enact the story in our drama workshop. Looking for photos... it was a LOT of fun and the kids enjoyed learning about the housing styles of the time!
If I find them, I'll add to a post on the drama and art spots.
Jaymie